CORNERFLICK
South Korea open their World Cup 2026 campaign against Czechia in Guadalajara in the second game of the opening day. The Group A match brings together the FIFA-ranked 25th and 40th sides, with Mexico and South Africa also in the section.
South Korea arrive with Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae among their leading names, and the 33-year-old Son is set for his fourth and likely final World Cup. Hwang Hee-chan is also expected to be important after his role in South Korea's run to the last 16 at the previous tournament.
There is some concern over Bae Jun-ho after an ankle problem, though Lee Tae-suk has returned to training. South Korea's warm-up results were mixed, with two wins and two defeats.
Czechia return to the tournament for the first time in 20 years under Miroslav Koubek, who took charge in December 2025. They qualified through the European play-offs after penalty shoot-out wins over Denmark and Ireland, and come in on a run of five straight victories. Patrick Schick, Adam Hlozek, Tomas Soucek and Tomas Chory are among the players expected to test South Korea's pace and movement.